Sayur Lalap
Brunei Style
A refreshing and vibrant mixed vegetable salad, 'Sayur Lalap' is a staple in Bruneian cuisine, often served as a side dish. It features a medley of blanched or raw vegetables tossed with a flavorful dressing, typically made with grated coconut, chili, and lime.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Assorted fresh vegetables(e.g., long beans, bean sprouts, cucumber, cabbage, spinach, water spinach (kangkung), carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 100 g Grated fresh coconut
- 2 pcs Bird's eye chilies (cili padi)(or to taste)
- 2 small Shallots
- 1 clove Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Sugar(optional, to balance flavors)
- 0.25 tsp Shrimp paste (belacan)(optional, toasted)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Blanch firm vegetables like long beans, cabbage, and carrots in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Raw vegetables like cucumber and bean sprouts can be used as is or lightly blanched.
- 2
Make the dressing: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the grated coconut, bird's eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and toasted shrimp paste (if using). Pound or blend until a coarse paste forms. You can also lightly toast the grated coconut in a dry pan until golden brown for a nuttier flavor.
- 3
Combine dressing ingredients: Transfer the coconut mixture to a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
- 4
Toss the salad: Add the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- 5
Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish with rice or other Bruneian main courses.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of textures and colors for visual appeal and a more interesting flavor profile.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- ✓If fresh grated coconut is unavailable, unsweetened desiccated coconut can be used, but it may require a little more liquid to moisten.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some toasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
- Incorporate some fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for added freshness.